http://www.artistdaily.com/media/g/raymar_6th_annual_art_contest/default.aspx<table style="background-color:#ffffff;" border="0" cellpadding="5"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="/resized-image.ashx/__size/550x0/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.01.82.10.Attached+Files/1680.14085m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></td> <td> <b>RayMar&#39;s 6th Annual Fine Art Competition is here!</b> <br /> <br /> The RayMar Art annual art competition is a premier juried contest. It is RayMar Art&#39;s way of recognizing exceptional artwork and supporting working artists with substantial cash prizes, including a $10,000 Grand Prize. <br /> <br /> The competition accepts entries on a rolling basis. Each month 12 finalists are selected from among the submitted paintings. We will post the finalist paintings and juror comments each month in this gallery! At the end of the year, top winners are selected from the finalists.<br /><br />For more info, check out the <a href="http://www.raymarartcontest.com/">RayMar Contest website</a>. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>enCommunityServer 2008.5 SP2 (Debug Build: 40407.4157)http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136051.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:40:59 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136051Courtney Jordan0<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Dolls, Books, &amp; Crayons</i> by Daniel Keys<br />16 x 20 Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: The strong composition of this painting is what captured my attention .There are striking visual elements of value and color that punctuate throughout the piece ( such as the tea cup with crayons ) coupled with softer places for the eye to rest and both do so without interrupting the dynamic flow of composition . There is such an inviting story to be explored through the chosen subject and arrangement of elements. The three fluid movements of visual elements intertwining create a strong statement. The &quot;s&quot; shape composition of the white elements intertwined with the curve of the strong primary colors throughout the painting, layered with the grounding effect of the earthtones flowing between and throughout the background. All of this makes for a very visually compelling image and keeps my eye moving throughout the painting. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136050.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:38:40 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136050Courtney Jordan1<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>The Man I Loved (Portrait of My Grandfather)</i> by Albert Ramos Cortes<br />30 x 24 Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: This painting has such a strong presence, it&#39;s almost hard to look into the eyes of the subject for an extended period of time. The drawing , anatomy , values, and color temperature are executed extremely well and there is such a strength and sensitivity conveyed emotionally from the subject that is quite captivating...you can tell that the artist had a personal relationship with the subject .I could feel it through observing the painting before I read the title which confirmed what the painting emoted.To pull the viewer into the emotional experience of the artist as well as creating an accurate portrayal of the sitter is a great accomplishment. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136047.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:33:40 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136047Courtney Jordan1<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Begonias and Geraniums</i> by Kathy Anderson<br />16 x 15 Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: This painting has such a strong design. The compositional movement of the blossoms , the flow of color , and the chosen areas of diffusion and definition really create a musical quality to this painting. The soft areas of the painting that flow into more defined areas of value contrast and color saturation play to the overall composition in a lovely and fluid way. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136046.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:30:27 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136046Courtney Jordan0<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>The Loneliness of Waiting</i> by Ryan Brown<br />40 inches x 70 inches Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: Every element of this painting is used to lead you into the subject and the narrative that is happening there. I particularly like the abstract designs of the cobble stones in the foreground and how they lead your eye up to the main subject. It captures a moment of stillness and at the same time a feeling of transitory movement with the choice to place within the painting the bird in flight. The subtle greys in the surrounding architectural elements coupled with the more saturated color in the young girl tell a story to me of the old and the new and how the two come together. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136045.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:28:22 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136045Courtney Jordan0<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Change of Seasons</i> by SM Botstein<br />16 x 20 Oil<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: simplicity can be so captivating.. this painting reminds me of a quote by Robert Henri from the book The Art Spirit &ldquo;The sketch hunter moves through life as he finds it, not passing negligently the things he loves, but stopping to know them, and to note them down in the shorthand of his sketchbook.&rdquo; I think it&#39;s powerful how the artist chose to depict only the essential . The muted green color choice of the background and golden hued underpainting also lend themselves well to enriching the rust color of the the dried leaves. The design of the shadow is essential to the three dimensional aspect of the painting and was handled very well. It is a study of subtle light as much as a study of the forms in nature and is a beautiful blending of finished brushwork while retaining the freshness of a spontaneous painting sketch. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136044.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:26:17 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136044Courtney Jordan0<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>No title</i> by Henrik Uldalen<br />80cm x 110cm Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: This unique portrayal of a portrait captured my imagination visually. The chosen composition, the intentional desaturation of color while still retaining the effect of color temperature shifts, and the solid drawing, all contribute to the telling of a visual story. I feel that I am being drawn into the beginning of a story which is very visually intriguing. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136043.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:23:59 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136043Courtney Jordan2<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Layers</i> by Tibor Nagy<br />14 x 11 Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: This is what I call yummy paint...the textural quality and spontaneity of the paint application coupled with precise draftsmanship of the architecture make a visually interesting painting. I am pulled into the focal point through the aesthetic choices that the artist made ; bringing life to this static subject and in a sense turning it into a portrait of a window. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136042.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:21:50 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136042Courtney Jordan0<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Candy</i> by Marc Dalessio<br />24 x 19 Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: One of the main goals in portraiture, to me, is to capture not only the likeness , but convey the unique personality of the subject as well . I felt this portrait had such a strength to it because not only were all the essentials there; correct anatomy and structure, values, drawing ,etc , but I could feel the emotion and personality of the subject permeate so strongly through the painting. There is a strength to this painting that reminds me of the paintings of Robert Henri. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136040.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:17:07 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136040Courtney Jordan2<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Blue Uchiake Kimono</i> by Stephanie Rew<br />120 cm x 100 cm Oil painting<br /><br />Judge&#39;s Comments: The composition drew me into this painting .To take a subject , In this case a girl in a Kimono , that has been done many times and make it unique is an accomplishment . The red interior of the sleeves mimics a shape of wings which ties narratively and visually into the design embroidered on the kimono depicting birds in flight . I love paintings that are well executed and simultaneously give a hint of a narrative. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136039.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:14:27 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136039Courtney Jordan0<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Going Back</i> by Felicia Forte<br />36&quot; x 28&quot; Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: Strong design , accurate drawing , interesting color temperature and a hint of a narrative...all the elements that intrigue me in painting are present here. I am drawn into this piece and I like how the focal point and sharpest edge is in the path behind her. It&#39;s an interesting choice , as well as the most saturated color being behind the subject, yet the placement of both strategically draw your eye to the subject and then back to the composition of the path and design that is behind her. The mood of this painting piques my curiosity and the choices the artist made of where to diffuse and sharpen edges keeps my eyes moving throughout the composition. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136038.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:58:00 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136038Courtney Jordan0<p><b>February 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Muse</i> by Richard Prather<br />20 x 12, Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: Not only is this a strong composition , but the diffusion of greys played against the pop of color of the people below creates such an interesting balance.The placement of the people in the lower part of the painting gives a sense of scale and also creates a balance, through their intensity of color, to the larger masses of the cliffs that dominate the painting.The subtle value shifts create a nice atmospheric effect. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/136037.aspxMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:53:38 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:136037Courtney Jordan2<p><b>February 2012 Best of Show</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Michelle Dunaway<br /><br /><i>Blue Sky and Figure</i> by David Shevlino<br />19 x 17, oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: This painting really captivated me the moment I saw it. The artist so eloquently captured, through a conservation of brushwork , the sense of suspended movement ; the stillness of the diver within that moment in mid air. The solid anatomical structure juxtaposed with the intuitive loose brushwork told the story in a beautiful and powerful way. I felt my breath catch as I saw this image because of it&#39;s simplicity and power , the movement and stillness conveyed simultaneously. - Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/132533.aspxMon, 05 Mar 2012 19:31:18 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:132533Courtney Jordan2<p><b>January 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Kathryn Stats<br /><br /><i>Farm above Rougemont</i> by Marc Dalessio<br />10 inches x 14 inches Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: Strong composition with simple shapes giving a sense of solidity and calm. Paint application, values and hues work very well together. The interest provided in the varying depth of snow from sunlight to shadow, as well as the value changes from different planes, gives this piece enough &ldquo;really good stuff&rdquo; to keep it from being stark. - Kathryn Stat</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/132532.aspxMon, 05 Mar 2012 19:27:44 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:132532Courtney Jordan1<p><b>January 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Kathryn Stats<br /><br /><i>A Velvet Gaze</i> by Ann Kraft Walker<br />16 x 12 Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: Strong design. Brushwork varies in texture and edges which support and enhance the effect of the smooth luminous facial features. - Kathryn Stats</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.artistdaily.com/media/p/132531.aspxMon, 05 Mar 2012 19:26:54 GMT2bfc0e10-a4d2-4b68-ab7f-f11d606ed6fe:132531Courtney Jordan0<p><b>January 2012 Finalist</b><br />Award Sponsor: RayMar Art<br />Judge: Kathryn Stats<br /><br /><i>Turtles Hurdles Too</i> by Linda M Brown<br />24 x 36 Oil painting<br /><br /><b>Judge&#39;s Comments</b>: Well designed explosion of of color, light and shadow. The eye is lead with color and saturation variations as well as angle of the noses, lending a sense of excitement in all that action. - Kathryn Stats</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RayMar 6th Annual Art Contest Judges</span></b></p> <p>December 2011--John Burton</p> <p>January 2012--Kathryn Stats</p> <p>February 2012--Michelle Dunaway</p> <p>March 2012--Tony Pro</p> <p>April 2012--Joshua Rose</p> <p>May 2012--Warren Chang</p> <p>June 2012--John &amp; Shannon Watts</p> <p>July 2012--Jennifer McChristian</p> <p>August 2012--Michael Godfrey</p> <p>September 2012--Sherrie McGraw</p> <p>October 2012--Kathy Anderson</p> <p>November 2012--Jill Carver</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>